A constant theme of our photography for this trip has been the low angle of the sun which can produce unwanted shadows. Sometimes shadows in a photo can be great as they can tell a story. But when the object you are trying to photograph is partially bathed in shadows, it can become a annoyance. It’s hard enough avoiding shadows of big rock formations (at least they do not move), but when your own shadow conspires against you, then it brews real trouble.

I became adept arranging my shots to avoid most of the unwanted shadows. But… at times it got so bad that I couldn’t get out of my own way. I would stand, facing my subject and there would be my shadow stretched out in front. I would move to the left. My shadow followed. I tried leaning to the left. My shadow followed again. No matter what I did, my shadow got in the way of my photo. There was nothing left to do.

So, if you can’t beat them, join them. It had become obvious to me that my shadow wanted it’s day in the sun. Since arguing with my shadow became fruitless, I decided to photograph him instead. Unbeknownst to me Kassie was having the same problem with her shadow.

Notice her shadow trying to get in the way of her shot.

Notice her shadow trying to get in the way of her shot.

Kassie tried to sit on her shadow to get rid of it, but it survived. You can see it under her, mocking her.

She tried do squish her shadow. Didn't work.

She tried do squish her shadow. Didn’t work.

Mine showed up at the worst times.

My shadow is not so clever but is persistent.

My shadow is not so clever but is persistent.

If dealing with my shadow wasn’t difficult enough, here her shadow is on the attack.

My shadow moved to the side - a ruse as her shadow started an attack.

My shadow moved to the side – a ruse as her shadow started an attack.

My shadow even conspired with my tripod.

This pesky tripod legs. There was nothing I could do about them.

My shadow hid while his partner did the dirty work.

OK, time to join them. I started with a portrait of my shadow.

Interesting how he has the same camera as me.

Interesting how he has the same camera as me.

We did some couples shots too.

Notice that her shadow is photographing my shadow. Hmmm.

Notice that her shadow is photographing my shadow. Hmmm.

At the end of the trip we became friends. We even double dated.

Thanks for joining us on our trip. And remember, it’s all about the light. Shadows love the light.

The end of the trip - another great time.

The end of the trip – another great time.